Enforcement
To help protect North Carolinians in their charitable giving, the Charitable Solicitation Licensing (CSL) Division enforces violations of charitable solicitation laws. These laws are found in Chapter 131F of the North Carolina General Statutes and the related Rules found in Chapter 11 of Title 18 of the North Carolina Administrative Code. In performing this duty, the division may act on complaints received from the public, and also possesses authority to investigate potential violations on its own initiative. The division shares enforcement authority under Chapter 131F with the North Carolina Attorney General's Office, which possesses separate and independent authority to investigate violations of Chapter 131F.
Enforcement Process
When CSL opens an enforcement-related inquiry, the division typically mails an inquiry letter to relevant parties seeking further information. After receiving a response, if any, the division evaluates available evidence and determines if a violation has in fact occurred. If the division finds a violation, the division will issue an administrative order making official findings of fact and ordering an appropriate penalty. Penalties range from issuing official letters of concern or monetary fines up to and including the suspension or revocation of licensed status for the offending person.
The division's enforcement decisions are subject to rights of appeal pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act.
File a Complaint
Individuals with a concern about a solicitation they have received from a charitable organization or sponsor or from a professional fundraiser acting on behalf of a half a charity are asked to document their concern using the following complaint form. Submit the form along with any supporting documentation that supports your claim via mail, fax, or by email.
Enforcement Findings
Finalized enforcement findings become a part of the relevant licensed organization's file maintained by the division. If you have an inquiry concerning the enforcement history of a particular licensed organization, please feel free to contact us at: [email protected].